Skip to main content
MusicRadar MusicRadar The No.1 website for musicians
Sign in
  • View Profile
  • Sign out
  • Artist news
  • Recording Week 25
  • Music Gear Reviews
  • Synths
  • Guitars
  • Controllers
  • Drums
  • Keyboards & Pianos
  • Guitar Amps
  • Software & Apps
  • More
    • Recording
    • DJ Gear
    • Acoustic Guitars
    • Bass Guitars
    • Tech
    • Tutorials
    • Reviews
    • Buying Guides
    • About Us
More
  • As It Was preset
  • Don't Give Up
  • Ron Wood's drum secret
  • 95k+ free music samples
Don't miss these
The t.bone RB 500 ribbon microphone in front of a guitar amp
Microphones Best cheap microphones for recording 2025: Budget microphones for the home studio
Man plays Alesis Nitro Max drum kit with black sticks
Electronic Drums Best beginner electronic drum sets 2025: top-rated entry-level e-drums, reviewed by experts
Drummer sat at an e-kit places a pair of headphones over his head
Drummers Best headphones for drummers 2025: sound isolation for the studio, rehearsal room and stage
Kids hands on a beginner keyboard
Keyboards & Pianos Best keyboards for beginners 2025: Get started with our expert pick of beginner keyboards for all ages
Echotown Studios Main Room
Studios Echotown Studio: A world class recording studio in the stunning Dorset countryside
hisong
Tech Hisong's AirStudio S1 is a pocket-sized all-in-one recording solution for musicians on the move
EVE Audio EXO
Studio Monitors Why EVE Audio’s all-new EXO Series is the ultimate modern monitoring solution
Earplugs being tested at a loud band rehearsal
Tech Best earplugs for musicians 2025: protect your hearing with these essential audio attenuators, for the practice room to your next gig
Kali Audio HP-1 headphones
Headphones “The highest fidelity playback for serious studio use”: Kali Audio announces new HP-1 headphones
V-Moda M-10 headphones
Headphones “Clearly the M-10 is not tuned for this type of music”: V-Moda M-10 review
V-Moda M-100 Pro
Headphones “Designed for DJs and beat makers, they offer punchy loud delivery in a stylish and robust design”: V-Moda M-100 Pro review
Sony MDR-M1 headphones
Headphones "They may be the spiritual successor to Sony’s Scheps-approved mixing cans, but they tread their own path": Sony MDR-M1 review
IK Multimedia
Headphones IK Multimedia’s new ARC ON·EAR finally lets headphone producers mix with a pro studio sound
Pair of 64 Audio in-ear monitors hanging from a hi-hat cymbal
Headphones "The upper end is crisp too, with plenty of detail present for vocals without becoming too spiky": 64 Audio Aspire 4 review
A pair of Sennheiser in-ear monitors on a pink background
Headphones Three of our highest-rated in-ear monitors just got a massive discount in the Thomann In-Ear Days sale - IEMs starting from just £91
  1. Tech
  2. Recording
  3. Headphones

NAMM 2014: Audio-Technica reveals new M-Series headphones

News
By Matt Parker ( Future Music, Computer Music ) last updated 5 August 2020

Four new sets of monitor headphones

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

Introduction

Introduction

NAMM 2014: Fresh for this year's Winter NAMM, Audio-Technica has overhauled its M-Series range of monitor studio headphones and announced the debut of the ATH-M20x, ATH-M30x, ATH-M40x and ATH-M50x models - all due to hit stores in February.

Aside from adding a technological 'x' to each product name, the entire range features new magnets, aluminium voice coils on the inside and a tweaked design on the outside - a flatter cup shape that the firm says provides "excellent isolation".

As you move up the range, the spec gets more impressive, with improved portability and versatility, better sound isolation and detachable cable options.

Browse the gallery to view the specs and pricing information for each set of headphones.

Audio-Technica M-Series Headphones press release

Leeds, UK, 20-01-2014: Audio-Technica (NAMM Booth 6740 [Hall A]) has updated its critically acclaimed M-Series line of professional monitor headphones – the new ATH-M20x, ATH-M30x, ATH-M40x and ATH-M50x make their debut at Winter NAMM2014.

Taking cues from the sound and proprietary design of the company’s acclaimed ATH-M50 professional monitor headphones, the new ATH-M20x, ATH-M30x and ATH-M40x deliver accurate audio and outstanding comfort, perfect for long sessions in the studio and on-the-go.

The ATH-M20x, ATH-M30x and ATH-M40x all feature 40mm drivers with rare earth magnets and copper-clad aluminium voice coils, as well as a circumaural design that contours around the ears for excellent sound isolation in loud environments.

The ATH-M50x (featuring 45mm drivers) has the exact same sonic signature as the original ATH-M50 and adds refined earpads and three detachable cables.

The ATH-M20x, ATH-M30x, ATH-M40x and ATH-M50x Professional Monitor Headphones will be available February 2014.

Page 1 of 5
Page 1 of 5
ATH-M20x Professional Monitor Headphones

ATH-M20x Professional Monitor Headphones

NAMM 2014 PRESS RELEASE: The ATH-M20x headphones are a great introduction to the critically acclaimed M-Series line.

Modern design and high-quality materials combine to deliver a comfortable listening experience, with enhanced audio and effective isolation. These headphones are an excellent choice for tracking and mixing.

The ATH-M20x also features a convenient single-side cable exit with a permanently attached 3m cable.

Page 2 of 5
Page 2 of 5
ATH-M30x Professional Monitor Headphones

ATH-M30x Professional Monitor Headphones

NAMM 2014 PRESS RELEASE: ATH-M30x headphones combine modern engineering and high-quality materials to deliver a comfortable listening experience, with enhanced audio clarity and sound isolation.

Tuned for highly detailed audio, with strong mid-range definition, these versatile monitoring headphones are ideal in a variety of situations.

Designed primarily for studio tracking and mixing, they offer added features for increased portability, making them a great choice for field recording.

The ATH-M30x also features a convenient single-side cable exit with a permanently attached 3m cable.

Page 3 of 5
Page 3 of 5
ATH-M40x Professional Monitor Headphones

ATH-M40x Professional Monitor Headphones

NAMM 2014 PRESS RELEASE:The high-performance ATH-M40x professional headphones are tuned flat for incredibly accurate audio monitoring across an extended frequency range.

The studio experience is enhanced with superior sound isolation and swiveling earcups for convenient one-ear monitoring, and professional-grade earpad and headband material provides exceptional durability and comfort.

The collapsible design offers space-saving portability and storage, and the headphones come with two detachable cables (a 1.2m-3m coiled cable and 3m straight cable). Engineered with pro-grade materials and robust construction, the M40x excels in professional studio tracking and mixing, as well as DJ monitoring.

Page 4 of 5
Page 4 of 5
ATH-M50x Professional Monitor Headphone

ATH-M50x Professional Monitor Headphone

NAMM 2014 PRESS RELEASE: The original ATH-M50 has been praised by leading audio engineers and journalists worldwide, and now the ATH-M50x features the exact same coveted sonic signature as the original, with the addition of refined earpads and three detachable cables (a 1.2m-3m coiled cable, 3m straight cable and 1.2m straight cable).

From the large aperture drivers to sound isolating earcups and robust construction, the M50x provides an unmatched experience for the most critical audio applications, including recording, broadcast, DJ, live sound and personal listening.

The ATH-M50x is available in black, white (ATH-M50xWH) and limited-edition blue (ATH-M50xBL).

ATH-M50xWH: £179 inc VAT/€179 ex VAT

ATH-M50xBL: £179 inc VAT/€179 ex VAT

Page 5 of 5
Page 5 of 5
Matt Parker
Matt Parker

Matt is a freelance journalist who has spent the last decade interviewing musicians for the likes of Total Guitar, Guitarist, Guitar World, MusicRadar, NME.com, DJ Mag and Electronic Sound. In 2020, he launched CreativeMoney.co.uk, which aims to share the ideas that make creative lifestyles more sustainable. He plays guitar, but should not be allowed near your delay pedals.

All-access artist interviews, in-depth gear reviews, essential production tutorials and much more. image
All-access artist interviews, in-depth gear reviews, essential production tutorials and much more.
Get the latest issue now!
More Info
Read more
Kali Audio HP-1 headphones
“The highest fidelity playback for serious studio use”: Kali Audio announces new HP-1 headphones
 
 
V-Moda M-10 headphones
“Clearly the M-10 is not tuned for this type of music”: V-Moda M-10 review
 
 
Drummer sat at an e-kit places a pair of headphones over his head
Best headphones for drummers 2025: sound isolation for the studio, rehearsal room and stage
 
 
V-Moda M-100 Pro
“Designed for DJs and beat makers, they offer punchy loud delivery in a stylish and robust design”: V-Moda M-100 Pro review
 
 
Sony MDR-M1 headphones
"They may be the spiritual successor to Sony’s Scheps-approved mixing cans, but they tread their own path": Sony MDR-M1 review
 
 
IK Multimedia
IK Multimedia’s new ARC ON·EAR finally lets headphone producers mix with a pro studio sound
 
 
Latest in Headphones
IK Multimedia
IK Multimedia’s ARC ON·EAR promises to bring a pro studio soundstage to any pair of headphones
 
 
IK Multimedia
IK Multimedia’s new ARC ON·EAR finally lets headphone producers mix with a pro studio sound
 
 
Pair of 64 Audio in-ear monitors hanging from a hi-hat cymbal
"The upper end is crisp too, with plenty of detail present for vocals without becoming too spiky": 64 Audio Aspire 4 review
 
 
V-Moda M-100 Pro
“Designed for DJs and beat makers, they offer punchy loud delivery in a stylish and robust design”: V-Moda M-100 Pro review
 
 
A pair of Sennheiser in-ear monitors on a pink background
Three of our highest-rated in-ear monitors just got a massive discount in the Thomann In-Ear Days sale - IEMs starting from just £91
 
 
V-Moda M-10 headphones
“Clearly the M-10 is not tuned for this type of music”: V-Moda M-10 review
 
 
Latest in News
A selection of IK Multimedia plugins for music production on a purple background
Buy one $49.99 IK Multimedia plugin and get a whopping 38 free with the best plugin deal of the year so far
 
 
Rick Rubin, D'Angelo and Eric Clapton
When Rick Rubin and Eric Clapton got to hear D’Angelo’s Voodoo album before it was released, they were blown away
 
 
Shirley Manson of Garbage performs during the Ohana Music Festival held at Doheny State Beach on September 26, 2025 in Dana Point, California
“You’re gonna get f***ing white bread”: Shirley Manson takes aim at the music industry, Spotify and Ticketmaster
 
 
Zultan Alaris cymbals
“Deliver a light, open sound with exceptional stick definition and a gentle, airy wash: Zultan unveil new ALARIS cymbal range
 
 
BLOW RECORDS Spotify header
Meet the AI 'artist' that's earning four times the average wage in the UK
 
 
INGLEWOOD, CA - FEBRUARY 19: Prince performs live at the Fabulous Forum on February 19, 1985 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Michael Montfort/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
How Prince embraced The Beatles and recorded one of the most vulnerable ballads of his career
 
 

MusicRadar is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site.

  • About Us
  • Contact Future's experts
  • Terms and conditions
  • Privacy policy
  • Cookies policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Careers

© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.

Please login or signup to comment

Please wait...